Since 1972, Developmental Workshop Incorporated has been working in Idaho Falls, Rexburg and Salmon to help people with all kinds of developmental disabilities find and keep jobs to better their quality of life. Recently, the organization has revamped its image to simply DWI where they focus on the Development of Worth and Independence of their patrons.
“There are some challenges that they face that many of the people in the community do not,” said Glenn Guzman, the sales and marketing director for the organization. “And so, we recognize that, and we just feel that they can produce or be very productive in the community. They just need a little bit more of a supervision and egging along. And sometimes we all need a little bit of that.”
Guzman says they have between 135 and 140 people in three different locations working in different programs. Some of these programs teach skills like how to work different forms of equipment, how to follow instructions and how to be more independent in everyday living.
“Our Life Skills program is designed to be a combination of individual skills,” Guzman said. “We have different classes. Some of them could be advocating for themselves, speaking up, social skills, how to set your boundaries. We have different goals for them.”
Every year, the Scenic River Classic race helps raise money for DWI. It’s happening June 14 from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Snake River Landing in Idaho Falls. You can sign up for the half marathon, 10K or 5K races at Live Forward Performance. To learn more about DWI, go online to dwinc.org.